Research Centre
Our Story
" sharing knowledge"
If the museum wants to share history with its public, then sharing knowledge is the mission of the Research Centre. The Centre is the museum's memory where the collections are studied, made accessible and made available to the public.
But in addition to being a buyer, the public is also a supplier of knowledge. Together with the public, the Centre wants to pursue science, collect, clean up, refine, update, or rediscover. Its own historical research is combined with family histories and local history, and enriched by chance encounters.
CORONA
The Research Centre is open by appointment only. In order to guarantee security in the reading room, we ask you to announce your visit. When you come, please also take into account the measures in force.

PRACTICALITIES
Address
Sint-Maartensplein 3
B-8900 Ieper
+32 (0) 57 239 450
Opening hours
morning | afternoon | |
---|---|---|
Monday | by appointment | 1 - 5pm |
Tuesday | by appointment | 1 - 5pm |
Wednesday | 10 - 12am | 1 - 5pm |
Thursday | by appointment | 1 - 5pm |
Friday | by appointment | 1 - 5pm |
15/11 - 01/04 | closed on Mondays |
Closing days
21/12/2020 | - | 04/01/2021 | |
05/04/2021 | |||
13/05/2021 | - | 14/05/2021 | |
24/05/2021 | |||
21/07/2021 | |||
01/11/2021 | - | 02/11/2021 | |
11/11/2021 | - | 12/11/2021 | |
26/12/2021 | - | 07/01/2022 | |
Assignments & Research projectsn

Collection registration
The registration of the various collections is indispensable as a basis for the entire museum operation. The piecemeal description of objects, books, photographs and documents and their public-oriented access and digitisation are part of the daily work in the Research Centre.

Museum program
The preparation and elaboration of the museum's programme, and in particular of temporary exhibitions, requires thorough research into and from the selected themes. Suggestions and research from third parties also regularly contribute to the elaboration of the museum's activities.

Personal stories
The experiences of those who became immediately involved in the war deserve to be published in the museum. Their testimony is used in temporary exhibitions or in educational activities. The reconstruction and processing of personal life stories is therefore one of the core tasks of the Research Centre.

Diary Van Walleghem
The notes of pastor Achiel Van Walleghem (1879 - 1955) form the most important civil diary from the First World War in the Westhoek. His deep attentiveness and reflections drive the commission to further objectify and illustrate his notes as a historical source.

Aerial photography
The systematic collection, registration, annotation and geo-reference of historical aerial photographs and military maps not only provide a thorough view of the former war zone, but also provide a deep and layered insight into how the landscape was destroyed or permanently scarred by the war, and - after the war - laboriously restored.

Names List
The compilation of one central victims' register contributes to an inclusive and equal commemoration of all. The list mentions military personnel (regardless of their nationality) and civilians, both Belgians who died at home or abroad and non-Belgians who died or were fatally injured here.

Artist in Residence
Every year the museum invites a contemporary artist to create new work about war & peace, or specifically about the First World War. The artist resides in Ypres to become familiar with the museum, the city and the region. During this residence the Research Centre provides substantive support and guidance for the artistic creation.

Root notes
A cultural-artistic enhancement of heritage contributes unmistakably to public recognition and involvement. Based on this insight, and in a participatory way, the museum works on a program of story-telling concerts that focus on barely known or completely forgotten local war histories.
Students & Volunteers

Volunteers
For all its assignments, the Research Centre can count on an enthusiastic team of volunteers on a daily basis. They contribute in various ways to all possible aspects of the museum's operation. From supervising one part of the day to eternal monastic work: volunteering in the In Flanders Fields Museum, according to your own interests or skills, is a fascinating challenge!

Students
Students from home and abroad can do an internship or work experience at the Research Centre for a long or shorter period of time. They are involved or engaged in all aspects of its operation: ongoing research projects, inventory assignments, setting up temporary exhibitions and assignments in the context of educational or public activities.

Koen Koch Fund
The Friends of the In Flanders Fields Museum manage a study fund that is named after their regretful friend, professor Dr. Koen Koch (1945-2012). With a part of the membership fees or with donations interns, students and researchers who stay in Ypres for a certain period of time for their study work about the First World War are financially supported.
Collaboration & Partners

Flanders & Belgium
The Research Centre likes to collaborate with other museums and institutions. In its own country the In Flanders Fields Museum is a.o. part of the following collaborations:

Europe & International
From time to time the museum is also asked to enter into international collaborations, to supply expertise and to exchange experiences. Below you will find some European research projects and collaborations in which the museum participates or has participated..
CONTACT
Another question that remains unanswered?
Or knowledge you want to share with us?
Don't hesitate to contact us:
Kenniscentrum IFFM
Sint-Maartensplein 3
B-8900 Ieper
België
+32 (0) 57 239 450
After submitting your message
you will find a copy
in your mailbox.